Disney World Columns > Gracie NevilleEating Smart at Disney
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In March 2007 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Thus began my quest to get healthy and stay in control of the diabetes. One of my first thoughts was how was I going to integrate my new get healthy life style into my love of Disney and the many food temptations.
The first step was research – what would I have to give up? Did I taste my last baklava in Morocco? Candy nuts? Dad's Electric blue lemon? Were there no more trips to Beaches and Cream in my future? What I found out was that I wouldn't have to give up anything. In the world of healthy eating it's about moderation. With diabetes you need to keep an eye on your carbohydrate intake. Keeping an eye on these two things – portion control and carbohydrates allowed me to eat what I wanted at WDW and not feel deprived. Of course, there would be some planning involved but Morocco’s Baklava is worth it!
Step two was taking a look at the second part of the equation – the "e" word – exercise. I had started an exercise regime. In home walking with Leslie Sansone but exactly how much walking would I need to do in the parks? Like everyone else I feel like I’ve walked miles upon miles every time I’m in the parks but exactly how much did I walk? Was I really getting what I needed? 30 minutes and/or 10,000 steps a day? Well yes and no I ended up adapting and carving out time for exercising at WDW.
I invite you to join me on my journey to discover how to maintain healthy living at WDW.
